A study consist of sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetic clinic and divided into two groups – control group on only conventional medical therapy and yoga-group on conventional medical therapy along with pranayama and yoga-asana.

Study concluded that yoga has a beneficial effect on P300 or P3 (a component of endogenous cerebral evoked response that assesses higher functions of the brain) and thus can be incorporated along with the conventional medical therapy for improving cognitive brain functions in diabetes. {source}

A study was conducted on 41, middle aged, type-2 diabetic patients, who were on oral hypoglycaemic, to evaluate the effect of Yoga-Nidra on blood glucose level in diabetic patients.

These patients were divided in to two groups: (a) 20 patients on oral hypoglycaemic with yoga-nidra, and (b) 21 were on oral hypoglycaemic alone.

Yoga-nidra practiced for 30 minutes daily up to 90 days, parameters were recorded every 30th day. Results of this study showed that most of the symptoms were subsided, and fall of mean blood glucose level was significant after 3-month of Yoga-nidra.

Results of this study suggest that subjects on Yoga-nidra with drug regimen had better control in their fluctuating blood glucose and symptoms associated with diabetes, compared to those were on oral hypoglycaemics alone. {source}

Yoga has a positive role in modifying certain cardiovascular functions in type 2 diabetic patients.

A research conducted to study the effect of forty days of Yogic exercises on cardiac functions and on blood glucose level in Type 2 Diabetics. The yoga expert gave these patients training in yoga asanas and they pursued those 30-40 min/day for 40 days under guidance.

A pilot study to collect feasibility and preliminary efficacy data on yoga for diabetes risk factors among people at high risk of diabetes. Primary outcomes included: changes in BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This study also looked at measures of psychological well-being including changes in depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect and perceived stress.

Forty-one participants with elevated fasting blood glucose in were randomized to either yoga (n = 21) or a walking control (n = 20). Participants were asked to either attend yoga classes or complete monitored walking 3-6 days per week for eight weeks.

The study result found that participation in an 8-week yoga intervention was feasible and resulted in greater weight loss and reduction in waist circumference when compared to a walking control. {source}

A study was conducted to examine the effect of yoga practice on clinical and psychological outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Study results concluded that participation of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus in yoga practice for 40 days resulted in reduced body mass index (BMI), improved total general well being, and reduced anxiety. {source}

Conclusion

Yoga may be an effective type 2 diabetes prevention strategy.

How yoga can help people with diabetes?

Some of the proven benefits of yoga for diabetes patients include

Improved cognitive brain functions

Better control at fluctuating blood glucose

Reduced body mass index(BMI)

Improved well being

Reduces anxiety

Greater weight loss

Reduction in waist circumference

Stable autonomic nervous system functions

Reduces risk of other diabetic related problems

Are you or someone you know is suffering from diabetes? Did yoga helped you in managing diabetes and other related problems? Which asana or posture did you find most useful? Share your thoughts in the comment below!